Bachman Lake: A relaxing spot amid planes, automobiles
It's not exactly a tranquil waterfront retreat, with the constant overhead roar of airplanes on approach to Love Field airport and the busy traffic of Northwest Highway nearby. But even though you wouldn't call it peaceful, exactly, Bachman Lake still offers a welcome respite from the fast-food joints and ceaseless concrete of its North Dallas neighborhood. In fact, the pleasant views help you tune out the background noise pretty quickly, and Bachman Lake becomes a good spot for casual biking, jogging, picnicking, fishing or playing.
On a recent Saturday morning, the park was bustling but not crowded for the first sunny weekend day in what felt like ages. Serious joggers, with heart-rate monitors strapped to their bodies, were friendly and offered plenty of space on the 3.3-mile path for the numerous kids on bikes and families with strollers. And if running isn't enough for you, there's an exercise circuit with 16 stations around the lake.
There's a smattering of wildlife at the lake. Ducks crowd around visitors equipped with bags of stale bread, and herons and seagulls skim the water looking for food. We even saw a few squirrels gamboling about. Unfortunately, there's also plenty of evidence of dogs with inconsiderate owners, despite the large sign that graphically instructed folks to pick up after their pets.
The playground on the north side of the lake is small but well equipped, next to a covered stone pavillion with several tables. Out by the lakeshore, under huge shady trees, there are plenty of picnic tables and some big grassy areas great for running around and feeding ducks.
On the south side of the lake, you'll find restrooms and the Dallas Rowing Club's boathouse.
The Bachman Lake Therapeutic Recreation Center offers fitness, swimming, arts and other classes for children and adults with disabilities. It is open 9:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday; 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday and Friday; 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Saturday; and closed Sunday.
There are free parking lots off Shorecrest Drive, Lakefield Boulevard and Bachman Drive, and a free public boat ramp accessible from Shorecrest Drive.
- by Jessica Burgess, Dallas Reporter for HelloMetro
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Jessica BurgessJessica Burgess spent most of the '00s working for The Dallas Morning News and San Antonio Express News as an editor and writer, and now she teaches high school journalism. She has resided in the Dallas area for 29 out of her 33 years. She is married with a toddler son.
